Miami's Design District Shopping Guide...Stores You Must Visit...


Courtesy of Maria Tettamanti of Miami.Com

Burberry, Cartier, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Givenchy, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Omega, Rolex, Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin, Pucci — the boutique lineup at the Design District reads much like the pages of Vogue magazine. This de rigueur area across the pond from Miami Beach is home to design stores, high-brow boutiques, art galleries and gourmet restaurants galore. Give the area an even closer glance and you’ll find not just designer boutiques, but instead anything from throw pillows to metallic sneakers to stellar spa services.

And the IT neighborhood is growing by leaps and bounds. By late 2016, the 10-square-block district is expected to have more than 120 luxury-brand stores, a boutique hotel, 15 to 20 restaurants, luxury residential condos and lofts, galleries, furniture showrooms, as well as large-scale public art, design and graphic art installations.

Here are some can’t miss locally loved haunts:

Billionaire Italian Couture: This luxe menswear boutique marks the Italian brand’s second U.S. door joining its sister in Las Vegas. Men who want to stand apart from the masses can scoop up the shop’s eponymous label of expertly crafted and exotic mens jeans, suits, outerwear, knitwear, active wear, shoes, accessories, swim, luggage and more. Billionaire, 4000 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, www.billionairecouture.com.

Brownes & Co.: Need a manicure, wax and some beauty booty? Brownes & Co. has got you covered. Up for keeps are get-glam goodies by Darphin, Dr. Hauschka, Liz Earle, Mario Badescu, Acqua di Parma, Jurlique and more. Home items like Diptyque candles and Apothia aromatic diffusers are also on hand. 87 NE 40 Street, Miami; (305) 573-5221, brownesbeauty.com.

Emena Spa: If you’re in desperate need of some “me time” then mosey on over here. Emena is the Design District’s eco-friendly spa using Eminence Organic Skin Care infused with fitness, wellness and nutrition philosophies. The must-have service here? The 110-minute Foot Master Reflexology Pedicure. Your piggies will thank you later. Emena Spa, 180 NE 39 St., Suite 223, Design District; (305) 438-3777, emenaspa.com.

EnAvance: Originally on Lincoln Road, EnAvance made a move just when The District was about to boom. Known to be ahead of the curve, EnAvance owner Karen Quinones takes pride in personally editing the boutique, making sure the place is constantly stocked with the hottest trends from up-and-coming designers, mainly from overseas. Here you’ll find fragrances by Santa Maria Novella and Dsquared; Robin Rotenier cufflinks; denim by Anlo and MIH Marrakesh; leather and Swarovsky encrusted headbands by Cara; and a variety of clutches and handbags by R&Y Augousti, Kotur Ayers, Carlos Falchi and Violet Manhattan Clutch. Apparel for guys are also on hand. EnAvance,161 N.E. 40th St., Miami, 305.576.0056, www.enavance.net.

Louis Vuitton: Think of this particular Louis Vuitton store as the freshest and most over-the-top addition to the French maison’s repertoire. The sun-filled four-story architectural gem boasts numerous noteworthy nods to Miami. Art Deco nuances, palm-frond print wall coverings, pops of citrus hues, midcentury modern furnishings, terrazzo floors, limestone columns and celestial photographs from NASA exude a decidedly Florida feel. In addition, there are several exclusive products only found in the Design District store. Louis Vuitton, 140 NE 39 Street, Miami; (305) 573-1366, louisvuitton.com.

Marimekko: Bold and bright, the Finnish design house’s iconic creations are just what the interior decorator ordered to add some pizzazz to your place. This home decor store's vibe is fun, colorful and laidback — just like Marimekko’s makings. The 3,157 square foot space provides a clean and simple palette for Marimekko’s intrepid pieces. Marimekko, 3940 N. Miami Ave., Miami; (305) 573-4244, marimekko.com.

Marni: This Milanese-based company made its debut during Art Basel Miami Beach 2008, which is fitting considering the small corner space is a work of art in its own. Floating stainless steal racks around the store’s perimeters carry dresses, knee-length skirts and tops in Marni’s signature pastel patterns. Scattered throughout the store are round-tiered shoe displays carrying sky-high platforms that could even make Carrie Bradshaw fall down the runway - again. Also on hand are statement necklaces, chunky bracelets, vintage-inspired clutches and a Miami-proof ultra-thin leather jacket. 3930 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, 305.764.3357, www.marni.com